It is suggested that telehealth-based assessment may achieve high diagnostic concordance with in-person evaluation, and that telehealth-delivered interventions may yield similar outcomes in selected domains.
Abstract
Aim
To map and summarise evidence on the role, benefits and challenges of telehealth in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) management, including assessment and intervention.
Methods
This scoping review searched PubMed and Scopus for English-language studies published from 2015 to 2025; the search was last updated on 14 April 2026. Nine studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising randomised controlled trials and observational, mixed-methods, descriptive, pilot, and qualitative studies.
Results
Available findings suggest that telehealth-based assessment may achieve high diagnostic concordance with in-person evaluation, and that telehealth-delivered interventions may yield similar outcomes in selected domains. Several studies reported high caregiver and clinician satisfaction. Key challenges included technological access barriers, variability in caregiver engagement, and concerns regarding reliability and equity in under-resourced settings.
Conclusion
Telehealth may be a valuable complement to, rather than a replacement for, in-person care. Future primary studies should use rigorous designs and standardised outcome measures and should prioritise linguistically diverse and low-resource populations; future evidence syntheses should include formal risk-of-bias assessment.
Objective This systematic review aims to synthesize existing evidence on emergency department (ED) experiences, service-delivery challenges, and environmental and communication factors affecting autistic people and to identify strategies and interventions reported to improve patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, for peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Data extraction was performed using standardized forms, and quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data synthesis involved narrative thematic analysis to identify key barriers and facilitators to emergency department care for autistic people. The reporting of this review follows the PRISMA guidelines. Results Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and revealed consistent barriers affecting autistic people in emergency departments. Across settings, communication difficulties, sensory overload, long waiting times, and limited staff preparedness were the most frequently reported challenges. These factors contributed to heightened distress, behavioral escalation, and reduced satisfaction for patients and families. Facilitators identified in the literature included ASD-specific staff training, sensory-adapted environments, structured care routines, and active caregiver involvement. While not all barriers are easily modifiable, several environmental, communication, and workflow-related factors appear potentially amenable to service-level interventions. The findings further indicate that autism-specific staff training, sensory-friendly adaptations, and caregiver-supported care approaches may improve the ED experience for autistic patients and their families. Discussion The findings underscore the multifaceted challenges ASD patients face in EDs, exacerbated by sensory overload and communication difficulties. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including staff education, environmental adjustments, and efficient triage systems. Engaging parents as partners in care also emerged as critical for delivering patient-centered care. Conclusion This review emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reforms in ED care for ASD patients. Strategies such as sensory-friendly environments, enhanced staff training, and patient-centered policies can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term impacts of these interventions and identifying innovative solutions to meet the complex needs of this vulnerable population. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024532107, PROSPERO CRD42024532107.
Osama F Hamad, Simon Klára, Mohammed Elmadani et al.· Frontiers in Health Services· 0 citations
Background: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that substantially affects quality of life and is associated with frequent relapse and poor treatment adherence. Although pharmacological treatment remains the cornerstone of schizophrenia management, digital technology-based interventions have increasingly been explored as complementary approaches to improve clinical and psychosocial outcomes.
Purpose: To identify and map the types of digital technology-based interventions used for the management of schizophrenia among adults in clinical settings and to describe the role of nurses in their implementation.
Method: A scoping review design following the Arksey and O'Malley framework, refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute, and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect using the Population–Concept–Context framework. Primary studies published in English or Indonesian between 2019 and 2026 were included. From 13,637 identified records, 17 studies met the eligibility criteria and were analysed using descriptive and narrative synthesis.
Results: The included studies evaluated various digital interventions, including mobile applications, web-based platforms, virtual reality, telehealth, videoconference-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy, and other digital technologies. Several studies reported improvements in psychotic symptoms, cognitive functioning, treatment adherence, patient engagement, and quality of life. However, some interventions showed limited or no statistically significant improvements in specific clinical outcomes, indicating variability in effectiveness across intervention types and study settings. Across the included studies, nurses were consistently identified as facilitators of digital intervention implementation through patient education, digital literacy support, monitoring, and coordination of care.
Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that digital technology-based interventions may support schizophrenia management in clinical settings, although their reported effectiveness varies across intervention modalities and outcomes. Further high-quality studies are needed to determine the most effective approaches and to support the integration of digital interventions into routine psychiatric nursing practice.
Keywords: Digital interventions; Health technology; Psychiatric nursing; Schizophrenia; Scoping review.
Indra Maulana, Iwan Shalahuddin· JOURNAL OF Mental Health Con...· 0 citations
ABSTRACT Objective: to map the scientific evidence on health interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during hospitalization. Method: this is a scoping review developed in accordance with the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute, conducted in February 2025 across the Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, LILACS, and BDENF databases. Included were primary studies, reviews, theses, dissertations, and experience reports addressing autism and care strategies in hospital settings, available in full, published in any language, and with no time restriction. Results: 12 studies comprised the final sample. Following analysis, the identified interventions were grouped into four categories: 1) care strategies in inpatient psychiatric settings; 2) care strategies in general hospital settings; 3) care in the emergency department; 4) care in the surgical department. Conclusion: the study identified intervention strategies that can improve the hospitalization experience of children with ASD. These interventions show potential to significantly enhance the hospital experience of children with ASD and the effectiveness of their treatment.
Benedita Shirley Carlos Rosa, Angelina Germana Jones, Francisco Mardones dos Santos Bernardo et al.· Texto & Contexto - Enfer...· 0 citations
ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify interventions aimed at improving the mental health of family caregivers, whether or not focused on health literacy and health gains. Methods: this systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and involved searches in nine databases. Primary studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were included if they developed, tested, or implemented programmes designed to promote positive mental health among caregivers aged 18 years and older. Results: seven original studies were included, comprising randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, mixed-methods studies, and pilot studies conducted across different countries. The interventions ranged from home visits and problem-solving techniques to online psychoeducational courses and caregiver training programmes. Significant improvements were observed in depression, anxiety, caregiver burden, and positive mental health, alongside a significant increase in caregivers’ skills and knowledge. Conclusions: this review demonstrates that educational and psychosocial approaches contribute positively to improving the mental health of informal caregivers.
Sandra Marisa Barbosa de Alpuim-Gonçalves, Vânia Lídia da Silva Soares, A. Querido et al.· Revista Brasileira de Enferm...· 0 citations
PURPOSE
This study aimed to synthesize the international literature on the employment of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), identifying the main barriers and facilitators influencing access, inclusion, and retention in the labor market.
METHODS
An integrative review was conducted following established integrative review guidelines, with a systematic search across seven national and international databases. Empirical studies published between 2013 and 2026 were included. Two independent reviewers performed study selection and data extraction. A qualitative thematic analysis was applied to synthesize the findings.
RESULTS
Twenty-two empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. The thematic synthesis identified key barriers, including limited autism awareness within organizations, communication challenges, stigma, inflexible workplace practices, and inadequate managerial support. Key facilitators included supportive leadership, reasonable accommodations, structured communication, organizational flexibility, and recognition of autistic strengths. Overall, the findings highlight the central role of organizational, interpersonal, and contextual factors in shaping employment outcomes for autistic adults.
CONCLUSIONS
Employment outcomes for adults with ASD are strongly influenced by workplace structures, managerial practices, and organizational culture rather than individual characteristics alone. The findings underscore the need for evidence-based organizational strategies and public policies aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable employment. Future research should prioritize intervention studies and longitudinal designs examining how organizational practices and leadership shape long-term employment retention.
Carla Rosângela Binsfeld, Leilane Serratine Grubba, Carlo Schmidt et al.· Journal of Autism and Develo...· 0 citations
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition associated with significant challenges in daily functioning and well-being. Caregivers often experience substantial psychological and physical burden. However, comprehensive synthesis of quality of life (QoL) outcomes for both individuals with ASD and their caregivers remains limited. This study evaluated QoL in individuals with ASD and their caregivers and examined key psychological, social, and economic determinants. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42024538872). PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, and preprint repositories were searched for studies published between January 2013 and July 2025. Eligible studies assessed QoL using validated instruments in individuals with ASD aged ≤ 19 years and/or their caregivers. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled mean differences. Of 14,368 records identified, 216 studies were included. Quantitative meta-analyses included up to 173 studies, depending on the outcome and availability of comparable data. Individuals with ASD scored 21.7 points lower than peers (95% CI: -26.9 to -16.5; p < 0.0001). Caregivers scored 13.64 points lower than controls (95% CI: -19.21 to -8.06; p < 0.0001). Emotional and social domains were most affected. Higher Human Development Index was associated with better QoL. QoL is markedly reduced in individuals with ASD and their caregivers, underscoring the need for multidimensional and equitable interventions.
Kamila Castro, C. K. Duarte, Eduarda Silva et al.· Autism Research· 0 citations
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